ZR pants and hoodie, ADIDAS ORIGINALS x SONG FOR THE MUTE jacket from RODEN GRAY. TRIPPEN shoes from GRAVITY POPE. Bicycle courtesy of Thomas Eleizegui at AMBER KISSA / CELESTE CAFE.
CECILIE BAHNSEN dress from NEIGHBOUR WOMEN. CLAUDIA SCHULZ hat, GEEL bikini from SIISTA. WONDERS heels from GRAVITY POPE.
GASTOWN MAGAZINE
SS2026
GASTOWN MAGAZINE
No.6
No.6 SS2026
FEATURED THE OK BOOT CORRAL.
RANCH FASHION REMAINS ON THE RUNWAY. The lasting endurance of country western in pop culture. Story by Erin Blakely. Country western fashion may seem, at its surface, a trend destined soon to burn out—but pop culture would disagree. Consider Princess Diana, 90s tastemaker, strolling across the yard in blue jeans and cowboy boots. Or Fran Lebowitz, New York City’s favourite curmudgeon who pairs her cognac brown boots with straight cut jeans and a blue blazer, the same look she’s worn to dinner with Maartin Scorsese and to parties at Andy Warhol’s. The undercurrent is this: genuine craftsmanship and garments made to last are a fashion mainstay, regardless of subculture. As if existing in ode to this sentiment is the Ok Boot Corral. If you’ve ever set foot in Gastown’s central red brick square, chances are you’ve spotted the storefront. Marked by two bright red cowboy boots, the flagship shop has called this square home since 1975. Nestled among the pre-war building in the din of bustling restaurant patios and low-lit windows of breathlessly chic cocktail bars the store may feel, at first glance,
FEATURED out of place. A relic rendered almost camp by the life sized Clint Eastwood cowboy squinting into some unseen horizon. What does he see? Hollywood probably. The influence ranch fashion has had on popular culture is almost without end. Fashion icons, films, books, music, even as of late, boutique running brands, all sing the same low tune of the once wild West. “I wasn’t expecting the trend to last this long. We thought things would slow down, but it has done the absolute opposite. It seems to be getting more popular all the time,” says Linda McGowin, owner of Gastown’s iconic Ok Boot Corral. Recently, belt buckles, bolo ties and Stetson hats have become huge – some of our best-sellers.” Leather works and authentic craftsmanship have become sought after in a modern system over saturated with fast fashion polyester blends. Gastown’s own Zaidi Leather Studios and Nika Design share a similar philosophy: that repairing what works in the way forward for fashion; that no shortcuts can be taken when it comes to style and self expression. A landmark it may be, but a relic it is not. The endurance of the Ok Boot Corral exists in tandem with the lasting hold of ranch fashion on runways, design studios, and pop culture, with no end on the horizon.
AMBER KISSA.
LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR. How a deeply intuitive heart and gut approach to curation transformed a local boutique into an intentional, multi-space universe. Story by Caitlin Goff. Neighbour began with a name that reflects its exact disposition, suggesting proximity, warmth, and a quiet nod to community. Founded along Gastown’s historic brick streets in 2011, the boutique was born from founder Saager Dilawri’s singular vision: “a friendly space where you can enjoy looking at nice things.” Today, across multiple Gastown spaces and an expanding visual universe of fashion and objects, that baseline philosophy remains entirely unchanged. There is a romantic, deliberate pace to this corner of the city. The neighbourhood’s century-old architecture naturally draws those searching for independent labels and emerging designers. For Neighbour, this location is irreplaceable. “We’ve definitely considered expanding or moving to different areas over the years, but nowhere has seemed right to us,” says co-owner and buyer Karyna Schultz. “There is something so special about Gastown; we love the old buildings and brick streets.” Alongside local mainstays like Old Faithful Shop and Out & About, Neighbour has turned the area into a haven for intentional design. This deep connection to the neighbourhood directly fueled the boutique’s evolution. What began as a single storefront grew naturally into a women’s space in 2015, followed by a dedicated objects store. Moving the women’s curation to a soaring, historic venue on West Cordova Street was a major leap, but the space was simply too beautiful to pass up. When the unit next door became available, Dilawri envisioned a unified, dualstorefront presence. “Now, especially with the new men’s store, and the two stores being side by side, it’s really become a very different shopping experience,” Schultz explains.
THE ART OF INTENTIONAL LISTENING. At Amber Kissa, conversation makes room for vinyl as a historic Tokyo listening tradition takes root in Gastown. Story by Caitlin Goff. The classic Japanese jazz kissa has historically functioned as a sanctuary of deep listening, a place where conversation yields entirely to the spinning of vinyl. At 99 Powell Street, inside Gastown’s historic Anchor Building, Amber Kissa translates this postwar tradition into a contemporary Vancouver context with quiet, deliberate intention.
LA CASITA.
AND THE EVOLUTION OF A NEIGHBOURHOOD. History and hospitality meet at the corner of Cordova. Story by Erin Blakely.
Vancouver has long been a hub for international cuisines, a bright spot on the map of Canada’s dining culture. The notion, once limited to Japanese and Chinese flavours, has seen a shift towards authentic Mexican cuisine, a flourish, quick and revitalizing as a chord change. The locals can tell you. There’s something special happening in Gastown.
Long before quiet luxury became a flattened marketing buzzword, Neighbour was already mastering absolute restraint. Their curation process is structurally rigorous, yet deeply poetic. When evaluating new garments, Schultz and Dilawri ask: “Does this one stand on its own two feet? Are we going to find something like it from another brand? How will we display this?”
For co-founder Thomas Eleizegui, the concept began with a desire to put audio first. After visiting listening spaces where the acoustics felt secondary, Eleizegui resolved to build an environment entirely around the music. The long, narrow room utilizes purpose-built sound panelling and powerful, calibrated speakers. “The music can be set at a minimal level while still being heard clearly,” Eleizegui explains. “We hope that the music and guest noise won’t compete with one another.”
Canada’s first Mexican Barrio, a community of Mexican-owned restaurants, bars, and shops calls Gastown home, establishing the historic heart of the city as a hub for vibrant Mexican culture. This is no coincidence. The neighbourhood’s growing Mexican community steeps Richards Street to Main Street in fresh colour, music, and flavours. A pulse of new life among the historic pre-war buildings.
While methodical, their choices rely heavily on instinct — a philosophy that recently landed the duo on the global BoF 500 list. “Saager and I really try to buy with our hearts and guts,” Schultz says. “We go with what moves us and excites us.”
While traditional Japanese kissas enforce strict silence, Amber opens the format into an approachable social lounge where curated nightly genres, drinks, and community coexist. The choice of location was instinctive. “There’s an edginess to the area — it’s very soulful,” Eleizegui says. “Gastown sets the tone for energy and culture in Vancouver.”
This intuition allows them to welcome avant-garde designers long before they reach the mainstream. Right now, Schultz is captivated by the Japanese label Auralee. “We’ve carried it for a number of years, but this season it’s really clicked for me,” she says, describing trousers that look like denim but are crafted entirely of silk. She counts the brand alongside heavy structural purists like Evan Kinori, Comoli, and Lemaire as the core anchor pieces exciting her most.
Alongside local staples like The Birds & The Beets and Brioche, Amber Kissa anchors a long-awaited cultural renaissance for the district. The welcoming space is designed as a place to disconnect from social media and step away from daily distractions. “We want the space to feel welcoming,” Eleizegui notes, “and provide a place where guests can tune out the outside noise.”
BLOCK HOUSE HOTEL
“In 2004, I saw a good opportunity where the [Gastown] neighbourhood looked like it was going to have some major changes,” says Caz Holland, owner of La Casita, an authentic Mexican restaurant and neighbourhood staple. He was right. From a seat at La Casita’s ever-inviting bar on the unassuming corner of Abbott and lamp-lit Cordova street, regulars and locals are witness to the evolution of a neighbourhood. La Casita is itself a story of evolution, not unlike the neighbourhood it calls home. Founded in 1994 in Powell River, the restaurant was passed down through family generations to open its doors on the edge of Gastown, a beacon of hospitality on the periphery of the historic cobblestone streets.
Ultimately, continuity comes down to a welcoming atmosphere and a dedicated, long-standing staff. The stores invite people to slow down, explore the space, and learn the stories behind the designs. Whether walking out with a special new piece or simply carrying a drink from nearby hidden gem Aiyaohno Café, guests leave experiencing a masterclass in modern retail.
Spaces like La Casita act as a cultural intersection, a central artery, thrumming and alive with the future of Vancouver’s restaurant scene. The city’s Mexican Barrio is more than a collective, it’s a physical manifestation of Gastown’s cultural progression, a meeting place of history and hospitality.
EAST OF WATER STREET.
At Block House Hotel, a restored 1893 landmark shifts the map to offer design-forward apartment living in Gastown’s quietest creative pocket. Story by Caitlin Goff. The classic mental map of Gastown usually stops at Water Street. However, a quieter, more compelling narrative is unfolding further east down the historic brick corridors. At the intersection of Powell and Columbia, Block House is redefining heritage hospitality by capturing the raw, evolving energy of an emerging neighbourhood pocket. Housed inside the 1893 Commercial Block building, the property embraces its layered past. This designated landmark once operated as a bustling hub for rail-based trade and boasted one of Vancouver’s earliest elevators. Today, rather than wiping away that history, the space balances structural preservation with a relaxed residential design. The hotel layout responds directly to a modern travel shift — the desire to understand how locals live. Instead of traditional rooms, Block House offers loft-style apartments complete with full kitchens and expansive living spaces. Inside, original exposed brick and heavy timber beams sit naturally alongside minimalist mid-century furnishings and premium modern appliances. A distinct connection to place anchors the entire guest experience. The suites are thoughtfully stocked with local favourites like Pallet Coffee Roasters, Fable Kitchen, and Tallu & Co., introducing travellers to the creative community right outside their door. With newcomers like Amber Kissa and Celeste shaping the future of Powell Street, the location sells itself. Equipped with a curated local guidebook, guests are invited to bypass the tourist hubs and slow down. Checking in feels less like visiting a hotel and more like inheriting a stylish apartment in one of the city’s most storied corners. 2
THE BIRDS & THE BEETS / BAR TARTARE. FLUID IDENTITIES.
The day-to-night evolution of 54 Alexander Street, where morning espresso and evening natural wine unite an unparalleled cross-section of Gastown. Story by Caitlin Goff. The physical landscape of modern hospitality is shifting toward fluid identities. In major tastemaker cities, single-use spaces are yielding to collaborative, day-to-night models. Located at 54 Alexander Street in Gastown, The Birds & The Beets and Bar Tartare embody this evolution, operating as two distinct local favourites functioning seamlessly under one roof. The room itself tells a story of structural reinvention, shifting effortlessly between culinary eras daily. “If I had to two words, I think it they would be dynamic and chaotic,” says co-owner Matt Senecal-Junkeer. “The evening before we opened Birds, I happened to be standing outside on Alexander St at a very perfect golden hour moment, where the sun beams through and lights up the old wood and bricks in a magical hue — it occurred to me right then and there that the space had real potential to work in the evenings.” From early morning until afternoon, The Birds & The Beets operates as a neighbourhood cafe anchor. The daytime philosophy is grounded in a hyper-local, scratch-made ethos. Everything from the signature brioche bread to the housepickled preserves, yogurt, and fermented kombucha is crafted entirely in-house. “Nothing is hidden, you have to walk by our bread being shaped, and there’s usually a covered rolling rack of sourdough proofing in the dining room — we hope it feels fun, bustling and honest,” Senecal-Junkeer notes. As twilight settles, Bar Tartare takes centre stage. Helmed by
sommelier Lindsay Otto — who built her reputation at local mainstays like Juice Bar, Savio Volpe, and Ubuntu Canteen — the evening concept channels an experimental energy. Bypassing the traditional, rigid wine bar experience, guests gather around a communal wine fridge filled with low-intervention, natural bottles. Otto’s approach prioritizes human connection and the stories behind winemakers, encouraging curious drinkers to explore unfiltered pours. The transition is anchored by a shared philosophy. “I think the continuity comes from the casual, warm informality that counter service affords hospitality — there’s something about it that’s pretty unique,” SenecalJunkeer explains. “But beyond that, we actually embrace the distinction. We don’t want it to feel like a coffee shop pretending to be a wine bar at night, or a wine bar pretending to be a café during the day. We want each experience to feel fully itself.” The culinary program functions like an incubator for local talent, hosting a rotating lineup of guest chefs and independent pop-ups for limited runs. Each visiting chef introduces a distinct culinary perspective alongside an inventive take on the bar’s namesake dish. Ultimately, the space serves as a vital community crosssection. “We have everyday regulars that range from local SRO residents to tech moguls,” says Senecal-Junkeer. “Trends and neighbourhoods evolve, but creating a place where people feel comfortable and connected is something we want to protect.” By providing an open canvas for experimentation, the venue keeps Gastown directly connected to the next wave of Pacific Northwest dining. 3
GASTOWN STYLE
GASTOWN STYLE
CORDERA hat from ONE OF A FEW. DUTIL EYEWEAR sunglasses from DURANT SESSIONS.
TOTEME dress from NEIGHBOUR WOMEN. INA SEIFERT bracelet from THE BLOCK. YUKO IMANISHI shoes from ROWAN SKY.
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RACHEL COMEY earrings from ONE OF A FEW. INA SEIFERT bracelet from THE BLOCK. DUTIL EYEWEAR sunglasses from DURANT SESSIONS.
YOUMUSTCREATE pants and MINIMUM shirt from THE BLOCK. NEW BALANCE sneakers from ROWAN SKY. Photographed outside POURHOUSE RESTAURANT. 5
Use the colour dots to reference their locations on the page 11 map.
CAVE GALLERY. 45 Powell St. Christo and Jeanne Claude, The Umbrellas, Japan - USA, 1984-1991. This image was taken at the Japanese Site, Ibaraki.
OUT & ABOUT. 321 W Cordova St. Evergreen Works x Beams Japan Tote Bag. A stylish and practical accessory. The sturdy cotton material ensures dependability, while the collaboration between two leading brands showcases quality.
NEIGHBOUR OBJECTS. 51 Powell St. Fredericks & Mae Chopping Board. Made from premium food grade plastic, this cutting board is ready for food prep or presentation at a moment's notice.
CAFÉ KITSUNÉ. 157 Water St. Café Kitsuné x Popolo Vase. Handmade in ceramic. Handpainted summery stripe motif.
NELSON THE SEAGULL CAFE. 315 Carrall St. Single origin Ethiopian beans roasted with Espresso lovers in mind. Tasting notes of Oatmeal Cookies, Fresh Citrus Oil & Aromatic Bergamot.
CADEAUX BAKERY. 172 Powell St. Ice-cream sandwich. The perfect summer treat.
97 SINS. 317a Cambie St. Decayed, Gnarled, Heavily Textured Ring. 16 Natural deep red garnets flush-set into surface. Handcrafted in antiqued recycled sterling silver.
ONE OF A FEW. 354 Water St. Square Tote Handbag. with a small front pocket and a custom metal clasp.
ROWAN SKY. 334 W Cordova St. The Camper Dean. An eyecatcher with black and white polka dots; calfskin shoes for women with XL EXTRALIGHT® EVA outsoles.
CHALETT BOUTIQUE. 306 Abbott St. Ivory Bloom Knit Vest. Sleek, structured, and subtly bold. This vest is a minimalist statement piece with a touch of vintage charm.
RODEN GRAY. 8 Water St. The Wales Bonner Soccer Ball. A luxurious take on the classic soccer ball, crafted with a smooth leather finish.
ZAIDI LEATHER STUDIOS. 330 W Cordova St. The Legacy Belt. Handcrafted hair-on-hide belt, where every pattern tells its own story.
THE BLOCK. 350 W Cordova St. Ina Seifart Bag Charm. Made in Germany.
TEES.CA 227 Abbott St. See You Later Alligator graphic features a bold, minimal illustration of an alligator paired with playful text, creating a clean and humorous everyday tee.
Les Laines Biscotte. 316 W Cordova St. Albus Farfadet. A luxury blend of merino wool and silk in a single ply worsted weight yarn. You get the smoothness of the merino wool with the shine and drape of the silk fiber.
DUTIL. 303 W Cordova St. Waxed Canvas Cap. Unstructured, low profile cap dad with a curved brim.
MENU. 332 Water St. Menu Army Complete - 8.125
OLD FAITHFUL. 320 W Cordova St. Kinto Water Tumbler. Compact, lightweight, and easy to live with. Its slim profile slips neatly into a backpack, hip pack, or jacket pocket, making it a reliable companion.
LIZ RUEST. www.lizruest.com Exhaled by Dreamers. Digital collage, 10 layers © 2021 Liz Ruest. Limited-edition print on archival paper. Image: 8”x10” Framed: 9”x11”. Edition size: 10.
NIKA x 97 SINS. 309 Cambie St. Collaboration. Constructed from premium calfskin and fitted with custom sterling silver hardware. Every rivet, buckle, and motif is individually handcrafted from solid 925 sterling silver.
BIA BORO. 83 E Cordova St. The Desert Rose Fedora by Ashtee. Handcrafted from premium blush felt and finished with subtle hand-burnished shading that gives it a lived-in, sun-kissed character.
SIISTA. 315 Cambie St. The Raffia Fish Bag. A playful statement accessory. It features a tie fastening, Damson Madder branding at the back, and a removable mini fish bag charm for added character.
INFORM INTERIORS. 50 Water St. Le Picardie® Coloured Glasses. Made from tempered glass, these functional and durable glasses add a splash of colour and a touch of elegance to your table.
MVMT LAB. 55 Water St. Sports Physio Services. One clinic four disciplines.
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GASTOWN STYLE
GASTOWN STYLE
MINUS blouse from SIISTA. STORE NO.6 shorts and HOMECORE reversible jacket from THE BLOCK. STANCE stocks from ROWAN SKY. BRUNELLO CUCINELLI sunglasses from DURANT SESSIONS. TRIPPEN boots from GRAVITY POPE. Bicycle courtesy of Thomas Eleizegui at AMBER KISSA / CELESTE CAFE.
BELLE ANNA dress from SIISTA. CORDERA hat from ONE OF A FEW. SOEUR bag from THE BLOCK. Plant from FLOBA FLOWER BOUTIQUE. GRAVITY POPE shoes. Mural by NOMADICALTERNATIVES. 8
LEMAIRE pants and jacket from NEIGHBOUR. YMC t-shirt from THE BLOCK. MR. GRAY socks from RODEN GRAY. CAMPER sandals from ROWAN SKY. Photographed at BIRDS & THE BEETS / BAR TARTARE. 9
GASTOWN STYLE
A B C D E F
Gateway Steamclock Maple Tree Square Gaoler’s Mews Blood Alley Square Woodward’s
Scan here to find your way.
EVENT CALENDAR COMMUNITY EVENTS DRIES VAN NOTEN shorts and MR. GRAY socks from RODEN GRAY. HOMECORE top from THE BLOCK. 97 SINS STUDIO silver key. MOMA boots from GRAVITY POPE.
NOVEMBER 13 - 16 Lumiere Festival NOVEMBER 19 - 22 Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week: VIFW NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 13 Taylor Swift Public Art Installations Vancouver Edition DECEMBER Magic of Gastown JANUARY 18 - FEBRUARY 14 Hot Chocolate Festival JANUARY 22 - FEBRUARY 9 Dine Out Vancouver FEBRUARY 1 - 28 Love Your City Contest
FILIPPA K suit and YOUMUSTCREATE t-shirt from THE BLOCK. EPICE scarf from OUT AND ABOUT. GOORIN BROS. cap from BIA BORO. VANS sneakers from GRAVITY POPE.
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WEEKLY MONDAY Guilt & Co Live Music 2nd Floor Gastown Live Music
Guilt & Co Live Music Smith’s Live Music 2nd Floor Gastown Live Music Little Mountain Gallery Improv & Comedy
TUESDAY Guilt & Co Live Music The Lamplighter Pub Trivia 2nd Floor Gastown Live Music Little Mountain Gallery Improv
SATURDAY The Blarney Stone Live Music The Cambie Live Music Guilt & Co Live Music Smith’s Live Music 2nd Floor GastownLive Music Little Mountain Gallery Improv & Comedy
WEDNESDAY The Blarney Stone Trivia Guilt & Co Live Music The Lamplighter Bingo Portside Karaoke Smith’s Paint Nite 2nd Floor Gastown Live Music Little Mountain Gallery Improv & Comedy
SUNDAY Guilt & Co Live Music Is That French Live Jazz Music Pourhouse Live Music Six Acres Sunday Social x Chess Gallery Smith’s Live Music 2nd Floor Gastown Jazz Brunch
THURSDAY The Cambie Karaoke, Live Music Outside Guilt & Co GroundUp Live Music Is That French Live Jazz Music 2nd Floor Gastown Live Music Smith’s Live Music Little Mountain Gallery Improv & Comedy
MARCH 3 - 10 Vancouver Cocktail Week
FRIDAY The Blarney Stone Live Music The Cambie Live Music
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR There is something undeniably alive about Gastown in spring. The light returns warmer now, falling long across the cobblestones. Planters overflow with green. Patios fill early and stay full late, animated by the kind of easy, unhurried conversation that only comes when the city finally exhales. Curious minds wander in from every corner—drawn, as they always are, by what hums here beneath the surface.
Gastown Public Spaces Plan marks a meaningful step forward—a recognition that the character and vitality of this neighbourhood deserve sustained, thoughtful investment. The work ahead will shape how residents, visitors, and businesses experience Gastown for years to come, and we are glad to see that vision taking form. New businesses have arrived, bringing fresh energy to familiar blocks. You will find them beside long-standing neighbours who have shaped this place for decades—the contrast is not tension, it is texture. That is what Gastown has always done: absorb new voices without losing its own.
As Vancouver steps toward a remarkable summer on the world stage, Gastown holds its own quiet confidence. We have always been a neighbourhood that welcomes the world—and we will be here long after the fanfare fades. Our streets, our stories, our makers: these endure. This season also brings encouraging momentum from City Hall. The recent approval of the Vancouver City Council’s
Creativity, of course, remains our common language. It lives in the workshops tucked above storefronts, in the galleries that refuse easy categories, in the restaurants where the plate is also a point of view. The Spring/Summer 2026 edition of Gastown Magazine moves through all of it—eight pages of people, places, and ideas that remind us why this neighbourhood continues to matter. Our deepest thanks go to the businesses and collaborators who
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Visit gastown.org to find the most up-to-date event details or follow us on social.
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opened their doors and shared their stories. You are the reason this publication exists—and the reason Gastown keeps drawing people back. Yours Truly, The Gastown BIA
CONTRIBUTORS
Style & Fashion Director. Claudia Schulz Creative Director & Photography. Trevor Brady Editor. Jessica Dizon Publisher. Gastown BIA/Gastown Business Improvement Society (GBIS) - programs@gastown.org Models. Adam & Elizabeth from Richards Intl. Model Mgmt. Makeup & Hair. LucyAnne Botham Production Assistance. Susanne Jeffs
HOMECORE top from THE BLOCK. 97 SINS STUDIO silver key. DUTIL EYEWEAR sunglasses from DURANT SESSIONS.
GEEL top and SAMSOE SAMSOE skirt ONE OF A FEW. APUNTOP jacket from OUT AND ABOUT. DUTIL x PAMELA LOVE sunglasses from DURANT SESSIONS. BOSABO sandals from GRAVITY POPE.
GASTOWN MAGAZINE
SS2026
GASTOWN MAGAZINE
No.6
No.6 SS2026